Following a healthy lifestyle and being mindful of heart health doesn’t mean you have to miss out on flavorful foods. It simply means that you have to cut some items, including those high in sodium, from your diet. Here are some tips for keeping eating healthier.

To promote heart health, stick with foods that are low in saturated fat, sodium and calories. Pick up the following the next time you visit the grocery store:

• fat-free or low-fat milk and dairy products
• fresh fruits and vegetables
• whole grain rice, pasta and cereals
• lean sources of protein, including skinless white meat chicken, fish and lean cuts of beef
• Here are some other tips for keeping your foods healthy and flavorful:
• Use lean ground turkey or chicken rather than ground beef.Use egg substitutes instead of real eggs, or use egg whites only.
• Eat fresh foods rather canned and processed foods.
• Instead of topping potatoes with sour cream and butter, try salsa or plain yogurt and chives.
• Eat fruit, rather than cakes or other high-calorie sweets, for dessert.

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It’s winter. With the cold temperatures and the dark skies, many people want to turn to traditional comfort foods, including mashed potatoes, meatloaf, chili and macaroni and cheese. Why these foods might make us feel all warm and fuzzy on the inside, they can also contribute to heart disease, if they aren’t prepared with health in mind.

There are a number of ways you can enjoy your favorite recipes and still keep your heart healthy. For instance, instead of making meatloaf with beef, consider using ground lean turkey meat. To keep the meat from drying out, mix it with plenty of onions and diced mushrooms.

Mashed potatoes, which happen to be one of my all-time favorites, can also be a healthy option, if eaten in moderation. Simply use skin milk or 2-percent milk rather than whole milk or cream. Or, you can skip the milk altogether and add chicken stock.

How have you made some of your favorite foods more heart-healthy? Share your tips here!

(photo credit: pinksherbet)

Christmas is right around the corner. For many, this time of year means going to a number of Christmas parties and eating rich foods and decadent desserts. This year, why not celebrate the holidays and also embrace heart health with a heart-healthy diet?

The holidays shouldn’t be an excuse to throw all sensibilities out the window. There are many ways you can enjoy the holidays and also treat your heart right. This year, I’ll be throwing a heart-healthy Christmas party for all my friends and family. What’s best is that with all the flavorful foods I’ll be serving, no one will miss the high-fat and sugary foods.

For example, in place of fried chicken wings, I’ll be serving grilled chicken tenders with a spicy dipping sauce. Instead of artery-clogging desserts, I’ll be offering fruit and cheese platters. With a variety of fruits, vegetables and low-fat protein sources, your guests will be more than satisfied.

Share your favorite heart-healthy holiday recipes.

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(photo credit: markop)